Re: good starter knife?

Fri May 24, 2013 9:53 pm

I'm pretty sure it's the Gyuto and not the Deba but I brought the knife to work where we have extremely accurate scales and it shows 277.13 grams which is about 9.4oz. I just checked with the specs from CKTG and it says 9.4oz for the gyuto model which confirms what I already know.

I tried to weigh my cheap 8 inch knives that I am used to and they only clock in at 110-150 grams.

I used the knife last night with the "pinch grip" that I learned from youtube and it made a world of difference, more control and the knife didn't feel too big and heavy. I didn't feel my wrist fatigue as much due to the weight as compared to the "hammer" grip I'm used to using. I have no professional training so maybe I've been holding knives wrong all this time.

Re: good starter knife?

Re: good starter knife?

Sat Jun 01, 2013 1:07 am

A little update on the knife. I've been using it everyday for the past week and have grown accustomed to the size and weight and I can say it is a joy to use especially with pinch grip I picked up. Now my old 8" knives feel like kids toys when I pick them up.

I'm thinking I would pickup the Artifex 240mm but I'm not sure if I want the extra tall or the regular one. I'm worried about knuckle clearance with the regular one since I barely have enough knuckle clearance with the Tojiro. I'm 6ft 1" and have pretty big hands as you see on the photo. The Tojiro has 50mm height while the regular 240mm has only 46.5mm but with smaller handles, my hand should clear it right or do I need to pickup the extra tall instead? I'm afraid it's going feel like a broadsword or rather a sheet of steel with the 55mm height. I would appreciate a comparison photo of the three is anyone has them.

Re: good starter knife?

Re: good starter knife?

Mon Jun 03, 2013 9:57 am

If you feel you have just barely enough knuckle clearance with the Tojiro then get the Extra Tall. As Adam said, when push comes to shove that 5mm is not that much, and you'll have all the knuckle clearance you need.

Re: good starter knife?

Mon Jun 03, 2013 10:56 am

Actually, the grip I use and recommend is a "soft pinch," and the technique does include not wrapping your itty piddies all the way around the handle. Knuckles remain on the side, like this: You can gain even more clearance and get some extra action -- as for a very small knife -- by "coming over the top."

If I read Franz's pictures right, he's combining the two techniques into a very versatile and comfortable grip for a small knife.

You've just started on the pinch and are clearly happy with the improvements its made for you, so I didn't want to cloud the issue or rain on your parade with yet more advice. But since the subject is broached, you might as well read this.